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Our experience of most entry-level bikes is generally one of good value for money, but there is usually something we need to change, or swap as soon as we’ve got our hands on it.

Kuota, on the other hand, reckons value for money should still buy you a whole lot of choice – and there’s a unique set of speccing options that lets you achieve that.

The Korsa may be Kuota’s entry-level road bike, but it certainly carries the same passion and style as bikes further up the Kuota food chain.

The Korsa Lite is a good all-rounder. The frame’s geometry allowed me to achieve my preferred punchy and low racing position, and being triple butted it felt plenty willing when pressing on the pedals. However, a few minor tweaks using the provided spacers meant I was also able to achieve a more upright and relaxed ride if needed.

Teaming the 7005 aluminium alloy frame with a carbon fork keeps road buzz to a minimum, and the weight for a size small frame and fork totals 1,760g – it’s not the lightest, but certainly not the heaviest ever tested.

There’s a lot to like about the good-looking Korsa; generally, the handling felt stable and predictable, inspiring confidence on the Peak District descents where we gave the bike its first outing. We did get a bit blown about in a forceful sidewind, but couldn’t tell whether this was due to the Shimano R500 wheels, blade-like forks or tube construction, or (most likely) a combination of them all.

Verdict

What really stands out is the champagne finish on what is effectively a lemonade budget. Options include groupset make, cassette size, bar width and tape, and, for a slight price increase, even wheels and tyres. But it’s the smallest things that really did it for us – choosing the colour of the cable outer and, best of all, for the full pro feel and look, your name on your top tube. All of that for less than a grand, a mighty fine purchase in our opinion.